Signing Time Dictionary

Over 400 common signs, including the top starter sings for your baby!

Each sign includes a video, teaching notes, and downloadable flashcards to make learning easy.

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Do The Dishes in Sign Language

Learn how to sign do the dishes in sign language and start your child on this simple chore as soon as they are old enough.

1. Bring one hand up about chest height, palm flat and facing up, and fingers pointed away from each other.
2. Make a light fist with the opposite hand and rub it in a small circle on your extended palm.
3. This sign looks like your first hand is the dish and the second is the sponge you are cleaning with while you do the dishes. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.

Teaching Tips

  • Fun learning activities for kids can include chores! When a child is taught to do the dishes, they are helping care for the home and being a big help to mom and dad too! Start with safe items like plastic cups and spoons and teach your child to wash them. Move up to breakable items once they are old enough. Sign “do the dishes” as you model this daily chore.
  • If you’re not quite ready to let your child help with the real dishes, create playtime cleaning opportunities too. Some plastic mixing bowls and wooden utensils in a tub of water are perfect for imaginative outdoor or bath time play. Practice the sign as you go!

Transcript
Do the dishes. One hand is the dish and the other hand washes it. Do the dishes.

Want to improve your family’s signing? Learn more with our fun lessons.

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